Bairstow powers England to victory

GROS ISLET: Jonny Bairstow made the most of the absence of a few specialists with a blistering early assault to set England on the way to a four-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first day/night T20 international of a three-match series at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Tuesday.

Replying to the home team’s total of 161 for eight, Bairstow led the charge at the top of the order with his best T20I score of 68 off 40 balls with two sixes and nine fours. His entertaining innings ended in the 12th over via a catch on the boundary by Carlos Brathwaite off spinner Ashley Nurse.

“A few guys are not playing in this series so it was an opportunity to continue from the oneday series,” said the wicketkeeper-batsman after receiving the man-of-the-match award. “It was great fun because you get to play with a lot of freedom.”

Joe Denly (30) and Sam Billings appeared to have finished the job with a 50-run fifth-wicket stand. However both were dismissed with victory in sight although the target was still easily attained with seven balls to spare.

As well as England batted the West Indies did not aid their cause with a succession of errors in the field throughout their opponents’ innings. Left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell was the Caribbean team’s most successful bowler with three for 29.

“There were too many extras (conceded),” said captain Jason Holder in reflecting on his team’s loss.